Positive Behavior is not a Dream...It's a Plan!

Featured Teacher

​As teachers, we dream of respectful students, busily taking on the challenging lessons we carefully plan. This is what I saw as I visited Ms.Maytorena's class this week. From the time she meets them outside and goes over the lesson and expectations, the students are engaged and excited to participate. Everywhere you look, even outside the classroom, students were working in groups, locked into their tasks. Displayed around the room were elaborate, student-created projects, such as city models and informational posters. The evidence of project-based learning is everywhere in room 64.​​Meli explained her simple PBIS. She has several jars containing marbles on her desk. The students elect a treasurer whose job it is to remind the teacher to reward the class with up to five marbles daily. The treasurer has to be a negotiator and barter with Ms. M. by pointing out the positive accomplishments of the class for that day. If there are negative behaviors, such as a student that has to go to the restroom, the class can lose a marble, but don't worry, it can be earned back. Her classes compete against each other to earn the most marbles and win the reward, such a pizza party. On the day I visited her class, they were rewarded five marbles for cooperating with the sub the day before. This daily discussion which focuses on positive behavior and group effort, creates a classroom culture that makes it possible for the students' success in Ms. M's class. Way to go, Meli!